On-the-go cordless curling iron

ABSTRACT

A portable curling iron device, equipped with an internal rechargeable battery, configured for the curling of hair of a user while on-the-go. The device exhibits a textured, heat resistant handle, at least one heating coil disposed within a curling head, and a USB port. Charging of the rechargeable battery is facilitated via a USB cable disposed in communication with a power source and the USB port. A heat-resistant carrying case bundled with the device enables the user to immediately store the device after use without concern for burning or damaging adjacent items. The device has a small form factor, ensuring it may easily be stored within a purse, bag, glove compartment, or similar small space.

This application is a non-provisional patent application of provisional patent application No. 63/361,922, filed on Jan. 31, 2022, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hair dressing and cosmetology, and more specifically relates to a portable curling iron apparatus exhibiting a small form factor, configured for use by a user on-the-go for hair touch-ups. The apparatus is equipped with an internal rechargeable battery, and a heat-resistant case, facilitating rapid storage of the device after use.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Hair styling can be a time-consuming activity. Readying one's hair for the day in the morning is important to many people. Unfortunately, some individuals may not have the time required to complete the desired hair style before leaving the house. Hair straightening and hair curling are known to take the most time. These styles require use of a hair appliance, such as a curling iron to create the desired look. Further, these hair styles may begin to revert to a natural state during the day, or especially after dark if they are not touched-up.

Unfortunately, most individuals that curl their hair in the morning at home are unable to touch-up the curls in their hair during the day as they are not at home, and therefore do not have access to the requisite hair appliance. Further, even if the user brought their curling iron with them, they may not have access to a power source. If there were a portable curling iron that could be used on-the-go, away from home in a quick and easy fashion, more individuals could maintain their desired hairstyle throughout the day, and into the evening.

Thus, there is a need for a portable hair curling device which facilitates the curling of hair while on-the-go. Such a device is preferably equipped with a rechargeable battery that can deliver adequate power to a heating coil for a sustained period without needing to be plugged in to an AC power outlet. Further, such a device preferably exhibits a small form factor, and may therefore be easily stowed in a purse, glove compartment, or small bag. A companion case is preferably made of a heat-resistant material which facilitates immediate storage of the device after use without requiring the user wait for the device to cool down first.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a portable curling iron apparatus for use on-the-go. The device is equipped with a housing which exhibits a small form factor, a heating coil configured to rapidly heat a curling head of the apparatus to a desired temperature, and an internal battery which is rechargeable. A USB port on a bottom of the housing facilitates connection of the battery to a power source for rapid charging between uses. A heat resistant bag is preferably bundled with the device, and acts as a convenient and safe location to store the device between uses.

The following brief and detailed descriptions of the drawings are provided to explain possible embodiments of the present invention but are not provided to limit the scope of the present invention as expressed herein this summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 details a view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as seen from the side.

FIG. 2 exhibits a flow chart detailing the process of use of the apparatus of the present invention by a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The present invention is a portable curling iron apparatus for use by a user. The apparatus is configured for use when on-the-go, or otherwise away from home and therefore away from a larger, traditional, AC powered curling iron. As depicted in FIG. 1 , the present invention is equipped with a housing (10), a curling head (20), a hair clamp (30), a handle (40), a USB port (50), a rechargeable battery (60), and a heat-resistant carrying case (70). At least one heating coil (80) is disposed within the curling head (20), and is disposed in communication with the rechargeable battery (60). The rechargeable battery (60) is disposed within the housing (10), and is preferably located within the handle (40) portion of the apparatus. A power button (90) disposed on the housing (10) activates and deactivates the at least one heating coil (80) when pressed.

The handle (40) is preferably comfortable to use, and may be rubberized with a textured grip for ease of use. The hair clamp (30) is preferably manipulated in a conventional manner, via the thumb of the user, and preferably provides tension to the hair via at least one spring.

A USB cable is preferably bundled with the apparatus, and may be used to charge the rechargeable battery (60) via the USB port (50). In some embodiments of the present invention, the USB port (50) may be used to provide power to an external device, such as a mobile device or tablet computer from the rechargeable battery (60). A lanyard may also be bundled with the apparatus to ensure that the user does not accidentally drop the apparatus during use. As such, the lanyard is configured to attach to the handle (40) of the device, and may then be wrapped around the wrist of the user when used. An LED light may be present on the housing (10) to indicate when the rechargeable battery (60) is fully charged or when it is in need of charging.

As outlined in FIG. 2 , the process of use of the apparatus of the present invention by a user is preferably as follows:

-   -   1. First the user charges the rechargeable battery of the device         by connecting the device to a power source via the USB port         using a USB cable. (100)     -   2. Once charged, the device is ready for use. If the user plans         to use the device later, while on-the-go, the user places the         device in the heat resistant case, and stows the device. (110)     -   3. When needed for a hair touch-up, the user retrieves the         device from the heat resistant case. (120)     -   4. Next, the user presses the power button on the handle. (130)     -   5. The at least one heating coil of the device is activated and         begins to warm up, drawing power from the rechargeable battery.         (140)     -   6. Once the device reaches the appropriate temperature, the user         opens the hair clamp and curls his/her hair around the curling         head. (150)     -   7. The user then closes the hair clamp and waits a few seconds         for the hair to be warmed. (160)     -   8. Once warmed, the curls of the hair, imparted by the curling         head, are pressed into the hair. (170)     -   9. The user then releases the hair clamp and removes the hair         from the curling head. (180)     -   10. The user repeats steps 150-180 (steps 6 through 9) until the         desired number of curls is achieved. (190)     -   11. Once complete the deactivates the device via the power         button. (200)     -   12. Then, the device is stowed in the heat-resistant case,         preventing damage to other nearby items. (210)

It should be noted that alternate embodiments of the present invention may exhibit different colors, textures, and patterns depicted on the housing (10). Further, alternate embodiments of the present invention may exhibit a longer or shorter curling head (20) than shown in FIG. 1 . Additionally, it should be noted that the heat-resistant case (70) of the present invention is preferably equipped with a heat-absorbing material such as ceramic to facilitate the safe stowage of the device while it is still warm. The heat-resistant case (70) is preferably equipped with a zipper or similar closure mechanism to ensure that the device remains safely within the heat-resistant case (70) when stowed. A bottom end of the device, exhibiting the USB port (50) is preferably flat with a stable base which enables the device to stand upright to prevent burns to a countertop of similar resting surface. Similarly, per convention, the present invention is preferably equipped with a small stand which enables the device to rest horizontally without the curling head (20) coming into contact with the surface on which the device is resting.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

I claim:
 1. A portable curling iron device comprising: a housing, said housing equipped with a handle and a curling head; at least one heating coil, said at least one heating coil disposed within said curling head; a rechargeable battery, said rechargeable battery disposed within said housing; wherein said at least one heating coil is disposed in communication with said rechargeable battery; a USB port, said USB port disposed in communication with said rechargeable battery; and a hair clamp, said hair clamp disposed in-line with said curling head.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a heat resistant bag, said heat resistant bag configured to contain the portable curling iron device when not in use.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein said heat resistant bag is equipped with a heat-absorbent material.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said heat-absorbent material is ceramic.
 5. The device of claim 5, wherein said housing is compact, exhibiting a smaller form factor than traditionally available. 